NHS Borders issues advice on mask-wearing and hospital visits following increase in flu cases
Last updated 17th Dec 2025
Hospital patients in the Scottish Borders will be restricted to essential visits only "more quickly" in the event of a future virus outbreak, as part of efforts to reduce the spread of infection.
Anyone visiting is also being reminded to use hand gel on entering and exiting wards.
NHS Borders has announced it's strengthening its infection control measures following an increase in flu cases.
It says anyone who wishes to wear a face-mask when visiting its healthcare facilities is also "welcome to do so".
While it's not mandatory at the time of writing, the health board revealed it's continuing "to monitor the evolving situation closely and guidance may change throughout the winter."
Doctor Rebecca Green is Associate Medical Director for Primary and Community Services. She said: "The best way to prevent flu is to get vaccinated. But, if you have symptoms, drink plenty of fluids; take paracetamol or ibuprofen to lower your temperature; and you should stay at home - away from work or school - until you're feeling better."
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Evidence from Public Health Scotland shows vaccinated children are 78% less likely to be admitted to hospital with flu, and vaccinated adults aged 65 and over are 37% less likely to need hospital care.
Drop-in clinics - for both flu and Covid-19 jags - are being held at the Community Hospital in Hawick on Thursday (December 18th), from 1.30pm to 5.30pm; while another is planned at Hay Lodge Health Centre in Peebles on Friday, between 2pm and 3pm.
If these dates and times aren’t convenient, you can book an appointment at https://vacs.nhs.scot/csp.
Anyone with symptoms such as a cough, cold, sore throat, fever or stomach upset is also being urged to wait until they are fully recovered and symptom-free for 48 hours before visiting healthcare facilities - to avoid infecting staff and patients.
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A spokesperson for NHS Borders added: "We urge everyone who is eligible to get their free flu and Covid-19 vaccines as soon as possible.
"These viruses can cause serious illness and even hospitalisation, particularly for older people, young children and those with underlying health conditions.
"Visitors can unintentionally introduce and spread common winter illnesses including flu, increasing the risk to our staff and patients who are already really unwell.
"To keep everyone as safe as possible we are strengthening infection control measures, including moving to essential visiting only more quickly during outbreaks.
"We have already taken precautionary steps such as closing rooms and bays in some areas over the last few weeks, but there have been no full ward closures."
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